The U.S. Department of Justice has ordered several New York Times journalists to appear before a federal grand jury after the newspaper reported on security concerns surrounding President Donald Trump’s new Air Force One aircraft, which was donated by Qatar.
According to The New York Times, the subpoenas were issued on Friday by Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. The reporters were instructed to testify before a federal grand jury on Wednesday regarding an alleged violation of federal criminal law. The newspaper also said that, in some cases, federal agents personally delivered the subpoenas to journalists’ homes.
The publication described the move as a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s response to news organizations reporting on sensitive government matters, calling it an attempt to intimidate independent media.
A Justice Department spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the subpoenas when contacted by Reuters. However, the spokesperson said the administration’s focus is not on prosecuting journalists but on identifying individuals responsible for leaking classified information. The White House referred questions on the matter to the Justice Department.
The subpoenas have drawn criticism from press freedom organizations, which argue they pose a threat to First Amendment protections and the independence of the media.
The National Press Club urged the Justice Department to immediately withdraw the subpoenas, saying that sending federal agents to journalists’ homes represents an extraordinary action that undermines press freedom.
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press also condemned the decision and called on the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee to question Clayton about the subpoenas during his confirmation hearing next week. President Trump has nominated Clayton to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
The controversy follows Trump’s recent trip to Britain, where he initially said he would fly on an older Air Force One from Ankara to RAF Mildenhall while the newly donated Qatari aircraft remained on display for U.S. service members. Video later showed Trump boarding the new Air Force One at the British air base before its return flight to the United States.
